Realistically, how much do you spend per month on a new baby?

digitalphase

I understand why you've made this thread, indeed, I did a similar thing when I was expecting I think. However, it really is a "how long is a piece of string" question, based on so many variables that it's impossible to predict.

I liked Weird Nev's contribution as it shows an alternative to the usual "cheap but rosy" posts of people who've been able to breastfeed for "free" and are basically super mums. If you'd like another 'alternative', read on. Though I will keep it short as running low on time

I had everything planned as far as I could re. my baby, and had sorted out all my big purchases a reasonable time in advance, during which time I felt sick 24/7 and incredibly tired. This indeed was an extra cost factor. I couldn't bare to make food for myself (OH at work) so often used to drive into town to buy ready made sandwiches I know it's bad and so MSE, but if the choice is eating these or eating nothing, then I'd rather eat. I actually would gag and could not stand to do any cooking or sandwich preparation. I normally make my OH's packed lunches for work, but couldn't for ages. So, extra costs there.

At a later stage I developed bad SPD, which I had never even heard of before it happened, which meant I wasn't able to walk around much without being in agony. So online shopping was the way forward. Though I think this saved us money as less impulse purchases. I did develop a fast food obsession part way through, which isn't MSE. You have to account for cravings etc as well :rotfl:

Baby was born much bigger than anticipated - 11lbs, so hardly anything fitted him. Cue a mad dash (by OH, I was stitched up so I couldn't move much after a 3rd degree tear) into Supermarket after picking us up to get some sleep suits.
He then proceeded to work his way through all clothes sizes until he reached clothes size 18-24 months when he was 6 months old! He is still in them at 7 months old now. So that's a LOT of clothes. A lot I have got second hand, but some have been rush Supermarket buys as he's suddenly got too big for something and we can't wait for eBay purchases. Local charity shops never have any decent baby clothes either. And some shops I can't even get my buggy into as we live in the rural countryside with rural buildings.

He had colic as well, so got through a fair few meds to try and cure it, but nothing really helped, he just grew out of it.

Nappies/wipes etc. How anyone has the time for reusables I do not know. But manage to get them for good prices off Amazon. Delivered to your door, which is a good saving in itself.

I was breastfeeding for a while, but had to stop for various reasons, so bottles/steriliser/warmer etc to buy. Luckily I had already got them 'just in case' in an Asda event. Formula is now over £9 a tub, so expensive stuff. But no option.

He is on food I make and jars, which are quite cheap at 10 for a fiver. No need time to batch cook or anything like that. His food is warmed on hot plate of Rayburn while our dinner is cooking. The bottle warmer, dismissed by some as a waste of money, has been invaluable.

Must go now, but hope this post has been helpful.